Proverbs

Part One: Introduction to Proverbs

The Name

The Hebrew title, Mishle, means "proverbs" or "sayings." A proverb (mashal) is a short, memorable statement of truth, often built on a comparison. The book is a collection of God-given wisdom for everyday life. In the Bible, "wisdom" (chokmah) is not merely knowledge or intelligence; it is skill in living according to God's ways. The same word describes the skill of the craftsmen who built the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-6). Proverbs teaches the craft of a godly life.

Authors

Solomon "spake three thousand proverbs" (1 Kings 4:32) after God gave him "wisdom and understanding exceeding much" (1 Kings 4:29). Most of the book comes from his reign (around 970-930 BC), with the final collection completed after Hezekiah's time (around 700 BC). The identities of Agur and Lemuel are unknown.

Purpose

The book states its own purpose:

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning

Proverbs 1:2-5

It is written especially for the young (the frequent address "My son"), but also for the wise who want to grow.

The Key Verse

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the LORD" means reverent awe and submission to God. It is the foundation and starting point of true wisdom (9:10; 15:33; Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10). The book begins with this verse and ends with "a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised" (31:30). All of Proverbs is wisdom built on reverence for God, not mere human cleverness.

How to Read Proverbs

• Proverbs are general principles, not unconditional promises. They describe how life usually works in God's ordered world. "The hand of the diligent maketh rich" (10:4) is generally true, but Scripture also recognises that the righteous sometimes suffer (Job; Psalm 73) and that God's timing and purposes vary. "Train up a child in the way he should go" (22:6) is a principle of wise parenting, not a guarantee that overrides a child's own responsibility (Ezekiel 18:20).
• Proverbs must be applied with wisdom. "Answer not a fool according to his folly... Answer a fool according to his folly" (26:4-5) appear side by side on purpose: wisdom knows which response fits the situation.
• Proverbs use vivid contrast and comparison. Most of the sayings in chapters 10-15 contrast the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the fool.
• Proverbs are rooted in God. Behind every practical saying stands the LORD, who sees all (15:3), weighs the heart (16:2; 21:2) and directs human steps (16:9).

The Characters of Proverbs

Outline of Proverbs

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: The Call to Wisdom (Chapters 1-9)

Chapter 1 — The Beginning of Knowledge

After stating the book's purpose (1:1-6) and foundation (1:7), the father begins: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother" (1:8). Parental instruction is an ornament of grace (1:9).

The first warning is against the gang: "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not" (1:10). They invite the young man to join them in ambush and robbery for easy money (1:11-14). "My son, walk not thou in the way with them... For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood" (1:15-16; Romans 3:15). They are setting a trap for themselves: "So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof" (1:19).

Then Wisdom herself cries out in the streets and at the city gates (1:20-21): "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you" (1:22-23). But those who refuse will find it too late: "Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me" (1:28). "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil" (1:33).

Chapter 2 — Seeking Wisdom as Hidden Treasure

Wisdom must be sought wholeheartedly: "If thou... receive my words... incline thine ear unto wisdom... criest after knowledge... seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God" (2:1-5). Yet it is ultimately God's gift: "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (2:6; James 1:5). Wisdom guards from two dangers: the evil man who speaks perverse things (2:12-15), and the strange woman, "the stranger which flattereth with her words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death" (2:16-18).

Chapter 3 — Trust in the LORD

"My son, forget not my law... For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee" (3:1-2). "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart" (3:3).

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (3:9). "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth" (3:11-12; quoted in Hebrews 12:5-6). Wisdom is more precious than silver, gold and rubies; "She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her" (3:13-18). "The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth" (3:19). The chapter closes with duties to neighbours: "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it" (3:27), and the principle "Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly" (3:34; quoted in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5).

Chapter 4 — Get Wisdom; Keep Thy Heart

The father passes on what his own father taught him (4:1-4): "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (4:7). He contrasts the two paths: "Enter not into the path of the wicked" (4:14). "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness" (4:18-19). Then the most important instruction:

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Jesus taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matthew 12:34) and that evil comes "out of the heart" (Matthew 15:19). Guard the heart, the mouth (4:24), the eyes (4:25) and the feet (4:26-27).

Chapter 5 — The Bitter End of Immorality

"For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. Her feet go down to death" (5:3-5). "Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house" (5:8). Sexual sin costs honour, years, wealth, health and finally brings regret: "How have I hated instruction" (5:9-14). The positive answer is faithful married love: "Drink waters out of thine own cistern... Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth... and be thou ravished always with her love" (5:15-19). God sees everything: "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings" (5:21). "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself" (5:22).

Chapter 6 — Surety, Sloth, the Seven Abominations, and Adultery

Rash pledges (6:1-5). If you have guaranteed another's debt, go humbly and get yourself released.

The sluggard (6:6-11). "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer" (6:6-8). "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth" (6:10-11).

The troublemaker (6:12-15) who "soweth discord."

Seven things God hates:

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 6:16-19

Adultery (6:20-35). "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light" (6:23). "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?" (6:27). "Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul" (6:32).

Chapter 7 — The Seduction of the Simple

"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye" (7:2). The father describes watching from his window as "a young man void of understanding" walks at twilight near the house of an adulteress (7:6-9). She meets him dressed as a harlot, flatters him, claims she has made her religious offerings, and says her husband is away (7:10-20). "With her much fair speech she caused him to yield... He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter" (7:21-22). "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death" (7:27). The young man's downfall began with wandering near temptation in the dark. Joseph shows the opposite: he fled (Genesis 39:12; 2 Timothy 2:22).

Chapter 8 — Wisdom's Call and Her Eternal Origin

Wisdom calls to all people from the high places and the gates (8:1-5): "my mouth shall speak truth" (8:7); "Receive my instruction, and not silver... For wisdom is better than rubies" (8:10-11). "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice" (8:15). "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me" (8:17).

Then Wisdom describes her existence before creation:

The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was... When he prepared the heavens, I was there... Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him

Proverbs 8:22-30

"For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death" (8:35-36). Christians have long seen in this passage a foreshadowing of Christ, "the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24), the Word who "was in the beginning with God" and through whom "all things were made" (John 1:1-3). Wisdom here is a poetic personification of God's own attribute; it does not teach that Christ was created, as the ancient Arians claimed. The word "possessed" describes eternal possession, and the New Testament is clear that the Son is eternal God (John 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:8). See Part Three.

Chapter 9 — Two Invitations

Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars, prepared a feast, and sent out her maidens: "Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither... Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live" (9:1-6). Correcting the wise and the scornful brings different results: "rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser" (9:8-9).

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Folly also calls, loud and ignorant, sitting at her door: "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell" (9:13-18). Every person must accept one invitation or the other, as Jesus' parables of the great supper and the two builders also teach (Luke 14:16-24; Matthew 7:24-27).

Section II: The Proverbs of Solomon (Chapters 10:1-22:16)

These chapters contain about 375 individual proverbs, mostly two-line sayings. Chapters 10-15 mostly contrast the righteous and the wicked; chapters 16-22 contain more varied sayings, many about God's sovereignty and practical relationships. Each chapter below highlights its main themes and key verses.

Chapter 10 — The Righteous and the Wicked

"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother" (10:1). "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich" (10:4). "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot" (10:7). "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely" (10:9). "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins" (10:12; 1 Peter 4:8). "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise" (10:19). "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it" (10:22). "The fear of the LORD prolongeth days" (10:27).

Chapter 11 — Integrity and Generosity

"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight" (11:1). "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom" (11:2). "The integrity of the upright shall guide them" (11:3). "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death" (11:4). "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (11:14). "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion" (11:22). "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth... The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 9:6). "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise" (11:30).

Chapter 12 — Correction, Speech and Work

"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish" (12:1). "A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband" (12:4). "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" (12:10). "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (12:15). "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health" (12:18). "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight" (12:22). "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad" (12:25).

Chapter 13 — Discipline and Companions

"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life" (13:3). "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life" (13:12). "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed" (13:13). "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard" (13:15).

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children" (13:22). "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (13:24): loving discipline is part of good parenting (Hebrews 12:7-11; Ephesians 6:4).

Chapter 14 — The Way That Seems Right

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands" (14:1). "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going" (14:15).

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12 (repeated in 16:25)

"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury" (14:23). "In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence... The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life" (14:26-27). "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding" (14:29). "He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker" (14:31). "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (14:34).

Chapter 15 — The Soft Answer

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (15:3). "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (15:4). "The prayer of the upright is his delight" (15:8). "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance" (15:13). "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith" (15:16-17). "Without counsel purposes are disappointed" (15:22). "A word spoken in due season, how good is it!" (15:23). "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility" (15:33).

Chapter 16 — Man Plans, God Directs

This chapter stresses God's sovereignty over human plans. "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD" (16:1). "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits" (16:2). "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established" (16:3). "When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" (16:7).

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" (16:24). "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness" (16:31). "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (16:32). "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD" (16:33).

Chapter 17 — Peace, Friendship and a Merry Heart

"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife" (17:1). "The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts" (17:3). "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends" (17:9). "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with" (17:14).

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (17:22). "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise" (17:28).

Chapter 18 — The Strong Tower

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Proverbs 18:10

"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility" (18:12). "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him" (18:13; James 1:19). "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" (18:14). "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (18:21). "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD" (18:22). "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (18:24).

Chapter 19 — Patience and Pity on the Poor

"Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips" (19:1). "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression" (19:11). "House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD" (19:14). "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again" (19:17; Matthew 25:40). "Chasten thy son while there is hope" (19:18). "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand" (19:21).

Chapter 20 — Wine, Honesty and God's Searching

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 20:1

"It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling" (20:3). "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold" (20:4). "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" (20:9; Romans 3:23). "Even a child is known by his doings" (20:11). "Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee" (20:22; Romans 12:17-19). "Man's goings are of the LORD" (20:24). "The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts" (20:27).

Chapter 21 — The King's Heart in God's Hand

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

Proverbs 21:1

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts" (21:2). "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice" (21:3; 1 Samuel 15:22). "It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house" (21:9, 19). "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard" (21:13). "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life" (21:21). "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles" (21:23). "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD" (21:30-31).

Chapter 22:1-16 — A Good Name; Training Children

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold" (22:1). "The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all" (22:2). "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself" (22:3). "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life" (22:4).

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

This is a principle of patient, consistent, God-centred upbringing (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:15). "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender" (22:7). "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him" (22:15).

Section III: The Words of the Wise (Chapters 22:17-24:34)

Chapter 22:17-29 — Introduction to the Words of the Wise

"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise" (22:17). Their purpose: "That thy trust may be in the LORD" (22:19), so that the reader may know "the certainty of the words of truth" (22:21). Some scholars have noted similarities between parts of this section and an ancient Egyptian wisdom text; whatever literary forms were common in the ancient world, these sayings are given here as God's inspired Word with a distinctly God-centred aim. "Rob not the poor... For the LORD will plead their cause" (22:22-23). "Make no friendship with an angry man" (22:24-25). "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set" (22:28; Deuteronomy 19:14). "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings" (22:29).

Chapter 23 — Riches, Discipline, Truth and Wine

At a ruler's table, "put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite" (23:1-3). "Labour not to be rich... For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven" (23:4-5; 1 Timothy 6:9-10). "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (23:7). "Withhold not correction from the child... Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell" (23:13-14). "Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long" (23:17). "Buy the truth, and sell it not" (23:23). "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways" (23:26). The chapter ends with a vivid warning against drunkenness: "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?... They that tarry long at the wine... At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder" (23:29-35).

Chapter 24 — Strength in Adversity; the Sluggard's Field

"Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established" (24:3). "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (24:10). "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death... doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it?" (24:11-12): we are responsible to rescue those in danger. "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again" (24:16). "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth" (24:17). "Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me" (24:29). The section closes with the sluggard's overgrown field: "it was all grown over with thorns... Yet a little sleep... So shall thy poverty come" (24:30-34).

Section IV: Hezekiah's Collection (Chapters 25-29)

Chapter 25 — Words Fitly Spoken

"These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (25:1), probably during Hezekiah's revival. "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter" (25:2). "Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king... For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower" (25:6-7); Jesus taught the same at a feast (Luke 14:8-11).

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 25:11

"A soft tongue breaketh the bone" (25:15). "Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee" (25:17). "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat... For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee" (25:21-22; quoted in Romans 12:20). "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country" (25:25). "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls" (25:28).

Chapter 26 — Fools, Sluggards and Gossips

Fools (26:1-12). "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit" (26:4-5): sometimes it is wise not to engage, and sometimes it is necessary to expose folly. "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly" (26:11; 2 Peter 2:22). "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him" (26:12).

Sluggards (26:13-16). "The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way" (26:13). "As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed" (26:14).

Gossips and deceivers (26:17-28). "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth" (26:20). "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein" (26:27).

Chapter 27 — Tomorrow, Friends and Iron

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

James echoes this (James 4:13-15). "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth" (27:2). "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (27:6). "Better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off" (27:10).

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17

"As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man" (27:19). "Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied" (27:20). "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks" (27:23).

Chapter 28 — Confession and Boldness

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion" (28:1). "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination" (28:9).

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

"A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent" (28:20). "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" (28:26). "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack" (28:27).

Chapter 29 — Rebuke, Vision and the Fear of Man

"He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy" (29:1). "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn" (29:2). "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame" (29:15).

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18

"Vision" here means prophetic revelation from God; where God's Word is absent or ignored, people "cast off restraint" (the meaning of "perish"). "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (29:23). "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe" (29:25).

Section V: The Words of Agur (Chapter 30)

Agur begins in humility: "Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man" (30:2). He asks profound questions:

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

Proverbs 30:4

The answer is God, and the hint of "his son's name" points to Christ: "no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man" (John 3:13). "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (30:5-6; Revelation 22:18). Agur's prayer is a model of contentment:

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Proverbs 30:8-9

The rest of the chapter contains numerical sayings drawn from observation: a generation that curses parents and is pure in its own eyes (30:11-14); four things never satisfied (30:15-16); four things too wonderful to understand, "the way of an eagle in the air... and the way of a man with a maid" (30:18-19); four things that disturb the earth (30:21-23); four small but wise creatures, the ant, the coney, the locusts and the spider (30:24-28); and four stately things (30:29-31).

Section VI: The Words of Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman (Chapter 31)

Chapter 31:1-9 — A Mother's Counsel to a King

King Lemuel's mother taught him not to give his strength to women or his ways to that which destroys kings (31:3), and not to drink wine and strong drink, "Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted" (31:4-5). Leaders must keep a clear mind for justice. "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" (31:8-9).

Chapter 31:10-31 — The Virtuous Woman

An alphabetic poem (each verse begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet) describing a woman of strength and character.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

Her husband trusts her completely (31:11-12). She works willingly with her hands (31:13), rises early to provide for her household (31:15), buys a field and plants a vineyard with her earnings (31:16), and is strong and diligent (31:17-19). "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy" (31:20). Her household is prepared and clothed (31:21-22); her husband is respected in the gates (31:23); she runs a business (31:24). "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" (31:25-26). Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband praises her (31:28-29).

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

Ruth is called "a virtuous woman" with the same Hebrew phrase (Ruth 3:11). The book that began with "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (1:7) ends with wisdom lived out by a woman who fears the LORD. Many also see in her a picture of the church, the faithful bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-8).

Part Three: Christ in Proverbs

Christ, the Wisdom of God

Proverbs personifies wisdom as a person who was with God before creation, through whom the world was made, and who calls people to life. The New Testament reveals Christ as the fulfillment:

Paul declares that Christ is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" and "is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30). Jesus spoke as Wisdom: "Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles" (Luke 11:49), and He claimed to be "greater than Solomon" (Matthew 12:42). As a child He "increased in wisdom" (Luke 2:52), and the Spirit of wisdom rested on Him (Isaiah 11:2).

Other Pictures of Christ

• The Son's name (30:4). The One who ascended and descended, the Son of the Creator (John 3:13).
• The strong tower (18:10). The name of the LORD as refuge; "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
• The friend that sticketh closer than a brother (18:24). "I have called you friends" (John 15:13-15).
• The righteous King (16:12; 20:28; 25:5; 29:14). "A king that reigneth in righteousness" (Isaiah 32:1), fulfilled in Christ.
• The bridegroom and the virtuous bride (31). Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:25-32).

Part Four: The Major Topics of Proverbs

Proverbs scatters its teaching on each subject throughout the book. This table gathers the main topics:

Part Five: Wisdom and Folly Compared

Part Six: Key Passages in Depth

Proverbs 1:7 — The Beginning of Knowledge

The fear of the LORD is the starting point of all true knowledge. Without it, human learning, however brilliant, misses the most important truth: that we are creatures accountable to our Creator. This fear is not terror but reverent awe, love and submission, which drives out the fear of man (29:25) and leads to life (14:27).

Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust and Guidance

Four parts: trust the LORD with all your heart (total confidence); lean not on your own understanding (do not make your reasoning the final authority); acknowledge Him in all your ways (bring every area of life under His lordship); and the promise, He shall direct thy paths (make them straight and lead you to the right end).

Proverbs 4:23 — Keep Thy Heart

The heart in Scripture is the centre of thought, desire and will. Everything in life flows from it. Guarding the heart means watching what enters it (eyes, ears, companions, 4:24-27) and filling it with God's Word (Psalm 119:11). Only God can give a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26); once given, it must be diligently kept.

Proverbs 8 — Wisdom Before Creation

This chapter lifts wisdom beyond practical advice to a divine reality present with God before the world began. It prepares the way for the New Testament revelation of the eternal Son, the Word through whom all things were made. Read in the light of John 1, Colossians 1 and Hebrews 1, it teaches that the wisdom by which God made the world is the same wisdom that came into the world in Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 28:13 — Confession and Mercy

Covering sin brings failure; confessing and forsaking it brings mercy. True repentance involves both admitting sin and turning from it. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:3-5).

Proverbs 31:10-31 — Wisdom in Real Life

The virtuous woman shows what wisdom looks like when it is lived out: trustworthiness, hard work, generosity, wise speech, kindness, preparation, and above all the fear of the LORD. Her beauty is in her character, not her appearance (31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4). The poem honours godly women and sets a pattern for every believer.

Part Seven: The Major Teachings of Proverbs

1. Wisdom Begins with God

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (1:7). True wisdom is God-centred, not human-centred.

2. Wisdom Is a Choice

Two ways, two women, two invitations (1-9). Every person chooses daily between wisdom and folly.

3. God Rules Over All

Human plans are real, but God directs their outcome (16:9, 33; 19:21; 21:1).

4. The Power of Words

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (18:21). Words can heal or wound, build up or tear down.

5. The Importance of the Heart

God weighs the heart (16:2; 21:2), and life flows from it (4:23).

6. Character Shapes Destiny

Diligence, honesty, humility, generosity and self-control generally lead to blessing; laziness, deceit, pride, greed and anger lead to ruin.

7. Family Matters

Parents must teach and discipline; children must honour and listen; marriage must be faithful and loving (1:8; 5:15-19; 22:6; 31:10-31).

8. Relationships Shape Us

Friends and companions influence us for good or evil (13:20; 27:17).

9. Care for the Poor

God identifies with the poor; to oppress them is to insult Him, and to help them is to lend to Him (14:31; 19:17).

10. Humility and Teachability

The wise love correction and grow; the fool despises it and is destroyed (9:8-9; 29:1).

11. Contentment and Generosity

Agur's prayer (30:8-9) and the principle of the liberal soul (11:24-25) show that true wealth lies in godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6).

12. Christ Is Our Wisdom

The wisdom Proverbs calls us to is fully found in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3).

Part Eight: Connections — How Proverbs Links to the Rest of the Bible

Proverbs in the New Testament

Proverbs in the Old Testament

Themes That Run from Proverbs Through Scripture

Part Nine: Practical Lessons

• Start with the fear of the LORD (1:7).
• Listen to godly parents (1:8; 6:20).
• Say no to sinful companions (1:10).
• Seek wisdom like hidden treasure (2:4).
• Trust God, not your own understanding (3:5-6).
• Honour God with your money first (3:9).
• Receive God's discipline as love (3:11-12).
• Guard your heart (4:23).
• Flee sexual temptation, and rejoice in your marriage (5:8, 18).
• Work hard; learn from the ant (6:6).
• Speak less, and speak gently (10:19; 15:1).
• Be generous (11:24-25).
• Love correction (12:1).
• Choose wise friends (13:20).
• Discipline children in love (13:24; 22:6).
• Help the poor (14:31; 19:17).
• Commit your plans to the LORD (16:3, 9).
• Be slow to anger (16:32).
• Be a loyal friend (17:17; 18:24).
• Listen before you answer (18:13).
• Run to the name of the LORD (18:10).
• Avoid drunkenness (20:1; 23:29-35).
• Choose a good name over riches (22:1).
• Don't boast about tomorrow (27:1).
• Confess and forsake sin (28:13).
• Don't fear people; trust God (29:25).
• Ask God for contentment (30:8-9).
• Value character over beauty (31:30).

Part Ten: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

Proverbs is God's practical guide for daily living. It teaches the craft of a godly life in every area: speech, work, money, marriage, parenting, friendship, anger, honesty and care for the poor. Its foundation is the fear of the LORD, and its method is the patient, repeated contrast between two ways: wisdom, which leads to life, and folly, which leads to death. Wisdom is personified as a gracious woman calling all to her feast, and as the eternal companion of God at creation, a portrait fulfilled in Jesus Christ, "the wisdom of God," who calls the simple to Himself and is made to us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." The book that begins with the fear of the LORD ends with a woman who fears the LORD, showing that true wisdom is not cleverness but a life lived reverently before God.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6